In December, I had to analyze whether current income disparities threaten democratic ideals as part of a debate competition I competed in. Given that income inequality is at one of the highest levels in American history, this issue is extremely relevant to the present economic situation.

First, Martin Giles of Public Opinion Quarterly explains that the ability of citizens to influence public policy is the “bottom line” of democratic government.  For those at the top of the income bracket, the probability of policy change rises from 14 percent to 49 percent, since these individuals have the ability to fund campaigns and create political action committees. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in Citizens United vs. FEC that corporations can freely fund presidential campaigns through issue advocacy ads with no upper limit on their contributions; as such, the wealthiest Americans gain disproportionate influence, ultimately harming those in poverty from having an equal say in government. Ninety five percent of campaign contributions come from households with a combined income of $100,000 or more. Given that money equates to a voice in government, income inequalities give some individuals bigger voices than others.

Second, an empirical analysis by the Education Trust found that there is a $1,000 differential between state funding towards a poor student and affluent student every single year, resulting in fewer learning gains. Given that schools in low-income neighborhoods receive less funding per capita than schools in more affluent neighborhoods, it is clear that children in all neighborhoods do not have equal access to the resources necessary to have a quality education. The National Bureau of Economic Research furthers that a $1,000 increase in income raises student performance nearly 6 percent of a standard deviation due to differing opportunities present in schools in different areas. Hence, income inequalities stifle the ability of a significant amount of Americans to attain a quality education.

Third, Frederick Solt of the American Journal of Political Science explains that among those in the poorest 20 percent of households, a change from the lowest to the highest observed level of income inequality reduces the probability of political participation by 13.2 percent. The American Political Science Association furthers that while 90 percent of individuals in families with an income of $75,000 or more per year vote, only 50 percent of individuals in families with an income of $15,000 or less per year vote due to a lack of campaign activity and political knowledge, a direct result of the poor education systems in these areas. Hence, income inequality perpetuates a process in which some members of society are more participatory than others.

Moreover, income inequality directly threatens democratic ideals and ultimately disenfranchises many Americans when it comes to the political process. Is socialism the answer? Absolutely not. However, closing the gap slightly would increase the ability of all Americans to access a quality education and participate in government.

By: Chad Klitzman